Kirstin Maldonado & Her Pentatonix Mates Release Inspirational “Amazing Grace” Cover

Posted on November 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Kirstin Maldonado is bringin’ a little grace to the holiday season…

The 28-year-old Mexican & Spanish American singer and her Pentatonix group mates have surprised the world with the release of the music video for their new cover of “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).”

In the Jimmy Bates-directed clip, Maldonado and her Pentatonix mates infuse the enduring gospel classic with their trademark a capella harmonies while wandering through a stunning outdoor church in the misty woods.

“My chains are gone/ I’ve been set free/ My God, my savior has ransomed me/ And like a flood/ His mercy reigns/ Unending love/ Amazing grace,” Mitch Grassi belts, while his bandmates provide crashing percussion and background vocals. Maldonado then takes over lead vocals on the next pitch-perfect stanza.

The track will serve as the lead single for the band’s upcoming sixth holiday album, We Need a Little Christmas, which is slated to drop November 13 via RCA Records.

While Pentatonix has yet to reveal the studio set’s complete track list, it will follow The Best of Pentatonix Christmas, their 2019 holiday compilation which featured collaborations with Tori Kelly (“Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry, Be Happy“), Kelly Clarkson (“Grown Up Christmas List“), Maren Morris (“When You Believe”) and Jennifer Hudson (“How Great Thou Art“), as well as a posthumous duet with the late Whitney Houston on “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Previously, the Christmas-loving a capella group has also released 2012’s PTXmas, 2014’s That’s Christmas to Me, 2016’s A Pentatonix Christmas and 2018’s Christmas Is Here!

Their next non-holiday full-length, titled The Lucky Ones, is currently expected to hit shelves, digital retailers and streaming services on February 12, 2021.

Bad Bunny to Make Debut Performance at This Year’s Billboard Music Awards

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is heading to the BBMAs…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton star is set to perform at this year’s Billboard Music Awards, which will take place on October 14.

Bad Bunny joins Alicia Keys, Luke Combs and Post Malone.

It’ll be Bad Bunny’s first performance at the BBMAs.

Garth Brooks will also be taking the stage as this year’s ICON Award recipient, following in the footsteps of previous awardees Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Cher, Celine Dion and more.

More performers will be announced as the awards show’s big day draws closer.

The 2020 Billboard Music Awards will air on October 14 at 8:00 pm ET, live from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on NBC, with Kelly Clarkson returning for her third year as the evening’s host.

The 2020 Billboard Music Awards are produced by dick clark productions, which is owned by MRC Entertainment, the parent company of Billboard.

Melissa Fumero Taking Part in NBCUniversal’s New “The More You Know” Social Justice, Equality and Equity PSAs

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Melissa Fumero is helping people get in the know…

NBCUniversal will launch a new series of its popular The More You Know PSAs that tackle systemic racism and speak up for social justice, equality and equity, with the 38-year-old Cuban American actress and Brooklyn Nine-Nine star among the artists taking part.

Fumero joins a roster of NBC talent that includes Dulé Hill, James Roday Rodriguez and Kelly Clarkson, among others.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with social and racial justice organizations Fair Count, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP, the National Action Network and the National Urban League, and focuses on standing up against injustice, teaching children about equity, and the importance of voting and completing the census, especially for how it impacts the Black community and communities of color.

The campaign kicked off this week on NBC’s Today with a spot on teaching children about inclusion and acceptance. The campaign will be rolling out over the next few weeks, with spots now available on TheMoreYouKnow.com and YouTube.

The More You Know site also includes comprehensive resources and educational guides.

“For over 30 years, ‘The More You Know’ has sought to bring light to the nation’s most pressing social issues,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal, “and we hope this new iteration will continue to educate, encourage and inspire people of all ages to take an active role in improving the world we live in.”

In addition to Fumero, Hill, Roday Rodriguez and Clarkson, stars participating in the campaign include: Carlos Adyan (En Casa con Telemundo), Freema Agyeman (New Amsterdam), Notah Begay III (NBC Sports), Gizelle Bryant (The Real Housewives of Potomac), Kandi Burruss (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Victor Cruz (E! News), Dexter Darden (Saved by the Bell), Ester Dean (Songland), Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam), Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster), Damon Hack (Golf Channel), Zuri Hall (Access Hollywood), Ana Jurka (“En Casa con Telemundo and Titulares y Más), Aneudy Lara (100 Días Para Enamorarnos), Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent), Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: Organized Crime), Wendy Osefo (The Real Housewives of Potomac), Jeimy Osorio (Telemundo), Nina Parker (E! News’ Nightly Pop), Nichole Sakura (Superstore), Jocko Sims (New Amsterdam), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us”), Justin Sylvester (E! News’ Daily Pop), Elyfer Torres (Enemigo Íntimo) and Reno Wilson (Good Girls).

Anthony Ramos to Serve as a Presenter at This Weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Anthony Ramos wants his MTV…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actor, who currently appears in the film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical Hamilton on Disney+, will participate in this weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Ramos will serve a presenter during Sunday’s award show, which will be hosted by Keke Palmer. Other presenters include Nicole Richie, Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson.

There will be several “first” moments during this year’s MTV VMAs, besides the fact that it’s being held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BTS will make their first television performance of their English-language single “Dynamite,” while Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande will perform “Rain On Me” on stage for the first time on television since releasing their No. 1 hit. The two pop stars lead this year’s nominations with nine each. Maluma and CNCO are also confirmed to perform.

Taboo and his fellow Black Eyed Peas members, who performed “Where Is the Love?” on the VMAs pre-show 17 years ago, are making their way to the main stage for their first time ever to perform “Vida Loca,” from their eighth studio album Translation, for the first time.

But previously announced acts J Balvin and Roddy Ricch will no longer appear at the socially distanced ceremony.

Here’s a look at the presenters and performers for the 2020 MTV VMAs, which will broadcast live around various NYC locations at 8:00 pm ET:

Presenters:
Anthony Ramos
Bebe Rexha
Bella Hadid
Drew Barrymore
Jaden Smith
Joey King
Kelly Clarkson
Machine Gun Kelly
Madison Beer
Nicole Richie
Sofia Carson
Travis Barker

Pre-Show Performers:
Chloe x Halle
Jack Harlow
Lewis Capaldi
Machine Gun Kelly featuring Travis Barker and blackbear
Tate McRae

Performers:
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga
Black Eyed Peas
BTS
CNCO
DaBaby
Doja Cat
Maluma
Miley Cyrus
The Weeknd

Juan Pablo Di Pace to Take Part in Project Angel Food’s COVID-19 Emergency Telethon, ‘Lead With Love’

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Juan Pablo Di Pace is ready to take your call… all for a great cause.

Project Angel Food will be holding a special telethon this Saturday, June 27, with the 40-year-old Argentinian actor/singer and Fuller House scene-stealer set to man the phones.

The Lead With Love: Project Angel Food Emergency Telethon will air from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm PT on KTLA 5in Los Angeles and stream live on the channel’s website and on the Project Angel Food page.

The goal is to raise $500,000 to support Project Angel Food’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, set up for increased needs due to the coronavirus. In the past two months, the organization has gone from serving 1,600 people a day, to serving 2,000 people a day.

Along with a mix of in-studio and virtual appearances, the telethon will include a live phone bank where callers can talk to celebrity guests, including Di Pace, Jonathan Adams, Joely Fisher, Rachel Lindsay, Peter Porte, Charlie Carver, Lawrence Zarian, Sasha Roiz and Lauren Tom.

Scheduled performers include Annie Lennox, Kristin Chenoweth and Kelly Clarkson, with Eric McCormack, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jessica Holmes hosting.

Other performers include Cee Lo Green, Deborah Cox and Billy Idol, and the event will include appearances by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Elton John, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone, Marie Osmond, Zachary Levi, Pauley Perrette, Marianne Williamson, John Goodman, Valerie Bertinelli, Marlee Matlin, Olivia Newton-John, Kelly Osbourne, Margaret Cho, Charo, Danny Trejo, Matt Bomer,Cheryl Tiegs, Tyler Henry, Carson Kressley,Eileen Davidson, Chrissy Metz, Sandra Lee, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Jimmy Smits, Victoria Principal, Yvette Nicole Brown, Loni Love, Chaz Dean, Sasha Alexander, Ron Cey and Josh Flagg.

The event is being presented by City National Bank, and executive producer is Brad Bessey. Lisa Foxx will serve as announcer and auctioneer Gabriel Butu will be the money man.

Founded in 1989 during the AIDS crisis, Project Angel Food medically tailored meals to people with life-threatening illnesses, including those who are at high risk for COVID-19.

“This event will blend the best nostalgic elements from the Jerry Lewis Telethon with the modern virtual fundraisers of today,” Project Angel Food executive director Richard Ayoub said in a statement.

Click here for more information on the event and learn how to donate.

Sofia Reyes to Co-Host the Billboard Music Awards Red Carpet Live Show

Posted on April 27, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Sofia Reyesis ready to take the mic.

The 23-year-old singer-songwriter and actress will host the BBMAs Red Carpet Live on Wednesday, May 1, ahead of the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

Reyes, who released her latest single “R.I.P.” with Anitta and Rita Ora in March, will work alongside Sway Callowayand Jaymes Vaughanin her hosting capacity.

The two-hour pre-show will take place on the red carpet at the MGM Grand Garden Arenain Las Vegas beginning at 6:00 pm ET/3:00 pm PT.

Fans can catch the entire pre-show live on Twitter via the awards show’s official handle, @BBMAs, as hosts Calloway, Reyes and Vaughan conduct exclusive interviews from the red carpet and run down the night’s jam-packed roster of nominees, performers and presenters.

The 2019 Billboard Music Awards will air Wednesday, May 1, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on NBC, with returning host Kelly Clarksonand performances by the Jonas Brothers, Mariah Carey, BTS featuring Halseyand more.

Anitta Performs English & Spanish Songs on the UglyDolls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an Ugly (Doll) time for Anitta…

The track list for the UglyDolls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack has been revealed, with the 25-year-old Brazilian singer pulling double (language) duty on the album.

Anitta performs the track “Ugly” in English, as well as the Spanish-language version of the song, “Fea.”

In addition to Anitta, the album features a track from Kirstin Maldonad oand her Pentatonix(PTX) group mates.

The 26-year-old half-Mexican and part-Spanish American singer and her Grammy-winning a cappella group mates perform the track “You Make My Dreams.”

In addition to Anitta and Pentatonix, the soundtrack for the upcoming animated UglyDolls movie features new music from Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monae and Bebe Rexha.

The soundtrack is now available for pre-order, and will officially drop on April 26.

The movie features an all-star cast of voice-overs from Jonas, Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Pitbull, Blake Shelton, Monáe, Rexha, Charli XCX, Lizzo and much more. It follows the story of imperfect toys who travel to the town of Perfection in the hopes of becoming good enough for children to take them, with Clarkson voicing the pink main character, Moxy. UglyDolls hits theaters on May 3.

Here’s the full track list:

UglyDolls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Tracklisting

1) Kelly Clarkson — “Broken & Beautiful (from the movie UGLYDOLLS)”
2) Kelly Clarkson — “Couldn’t Be Better (Pop Version)”
3) Kelly Clarkson — “Today’s the Day”
4) Kelly Clarkson and the UglyDolls Cast — “Couldn’t Be Better (Movie Version)”
5) UglyDolls Cast — “Today’s the (Perfect) Day”
6) Nick Jonas — “The Ugly Truth”
7) Pentatonix — “You Make My Dreams”
8) Nick Jonas — “The Uglier Truth”
9) Janelle Monáe (feat. Kelly Clarkson) — “All Dolled Up”
10) Janelle Monáe & Kelly Clarkson — “Unbreakable”
11) UglyDolls Cast — “The Big Finale”
12) Bebe Rexha — “Girl in the Mirror”
13) Anitta — “Ugly”
14) Why Don’t We — “Don’t Change”
15) Blake Shelton — “Wallflowers & Weeds”
16) Anitta — “Ugly (Fea)”

Christina Ochoa Reveals Her Hero in CARE’s International Women’s Day #HerInHERO Campaign Video

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Ochoa is celebrating her hero as part of this year’s International Women’s Daycommemorations…

The 34-year-old Spanish actress, a star on ABC’s drama series A Million Little Things, appears in a new video released by humanitarian non-profit organization CARE as part of its #HerInHERO campaign.

In the black-and-white clip, 30 female celebrities – including Ochoa, Kelly Clarkson, Sophia Bush, Jess Glynne and others — name their personal female heroes. Most, including Clarkson, discuss the impact their mothers have had on their lives.

But Ochoa claimed marine biologist Sylvia Earleas her hero, saying, “She has pioneered the role of women in STEM and marine sciences, inspiring the lives of young women.”

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Stephanie Beatriznamed country music legend Dolly Parton as her hero.

International Women’s Day is Friday, March 8.

STX Entertainment Moves Up the Release of Pitbull’s “UglyDolls” to May 3

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Things are about to get Ugly for Pitbull a bit earlier than expected…

STX Entertainment has moved up the release of the 37-year-old Cuban American rapper’s family animated feature UglyDolls.

Instead of releasing the film on May 10, STX Entertainment will now release the film on May 3.

Kelly Asbury directs the animated pic based off David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim’s plush toy line.

In addition to Pitbull, the voice cast includes Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas,Blake Shelton, Janelle Monáe, Wanda Sykes, Emma Roberts, Gabriel Iglesias, Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX, Lizzo and Wang Leehom.

The film is a bid by STX to launch a potential franchise in the wake of its hit female comedy Bad Moms.

Howie Dorough & The Backstreet Boys to Perform New Single “Chances” on NBC’s “The Voice”

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Howie Dorough is ready to make his voice heard…

The 45-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer and his fellow Backstreet Boys members will appear on Tuesday’s episode of NBC’s The Voice, according to Billboard.

Backstreet Boys

The group will perform their new single “Chances” from their upcoming album DNA, available January 25, 2019, via RCA Records.

The best-selling boy band in history will kick off their DNA World Tour starting May 11. The DNA World Tour will be the biggest world tour in 18 years for the group, which has been making music for 25 years.

On Monday’s episode, the top 24 artists currently competing on The Voice performed in front of coaches Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton for a chance at winning a spot in the top 13.

Tuesday’s episode will show eliminations, as the top 24 is whittled down to 13. The two artists with the most votes from each team will be revealed and will advance to the top 13. Each coach will then select one of their remaining artists to move on, and finally, for the first time ever, the final two Comeback artists will perform for a chance to re-enter the competition as part of the top 13. The winner will be able to choose which team they would like to join.

Monday and Tuesday’s episodes air at 8:00 pm ET on NBC.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Kelly Clarkson